Unlocking Creative Potential: Why ALTERED.LA Recommends Mexico for Film Productions
“In years of making television in Mexico, it’s one of the places we, as a crew, are happiest when the day’s work is over. We’ll gather around a street stall and order soft tacos with fresh, bright, delicious salsas, drink cold Mexican beer, sip smoky mezcals, and listen with moist eyes to sentimental songs from street musicians. We will look around and remark, for the hundredth time, what an extraordinary place this is.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Mexico, strangers salsa dance together in public parks; local vendors dollop generous portions of barbacoa into fresh tortillas; the sound of mariachi music reverberates from street corners. People are determined to help one another and a can-do attitude permeates every aspect of society. In recent years, the production world has come to realise the many benefits of this innately proactive mindset and, as a result, the country is fast becoming the ultimate destination for producing feature films, series, and commercials.
ALTERED.LA, a content and commercial production company made up bicultural, bilingual creatives from across the US and LatAm, know all about the indescribable value and vibrancy of Mexico. In 2019, the company expanded into LatAm, establishing an on-the-ground team in Mexico City to cater to the growing uptick in Mexico-based jobs.
Down in Mexico
Leading ALTERED.LA’s Mexico City team as head of production is Marisol Sahagún. A native tapatía from Jalisco, Marisol is the personification of Mexico's determined, can-do spirit. Having worked within the LatAm production world for a decade, she has observed how the proliferation of film productions across the country has nurtured a pool of skilled professionals in every corner, fostering a dynamic and versatile industry.
“Mexico has always been a production destination and several factors have influenced this," she tells LBB. “Of course, much has to do with the wide range of landscapes - from stunning beaches to lush jungles, arid deserts, and vibrant cities - which allow for versatile filming locations without the need for extensive travel and complicated time zones.”
In addition to its scenic diversity, another notable benefit to shooting in Mexico is the low cost and competitive labour costs, compared to the U.S., which has become more pronounced as of late. Many U.S. clients continue to flock to the country to access skilled labour without straining their budget, optimising production expenditures.
As well as the cheaper cost of labour, favourable exchange rates between the US dollar and the Mexican peso is another big draw for those in the U.S. – budgets stretch much further in Mexico, enabling productions to allocate resources more efficiently.
“What truly sets us apart at ALTERED.LA, besides our on-the-ground expertise in México, is our ability to tailor it to the US market needs,” Marisol explains. “We have an abundance of talent in all production departments, and maintain the high quality standards required in the USA, but at a significantly more competitive cost. We also ensure we adhere to U.S. style labour laws. This means we offer fair wages, respect overtime for local crews, and ensure efficient payment, typically within 15 business days upon project completion. This commitment has boosted morale within top crews and made us their preferred employer!”
Proud of ALTERED.LA’s efforts to fight the good fight on behalf of crew members, Marisol explains how the company is committed to ensuring diversity within teams. “We consistently strive to have departments that include women and people from various ethnic backgrounds. It is essential for us to recognize our roots as a Hispanic company and embrace diversity, as we value the enriching experiences and perspectives brought by a wide array of individuals.”
Location, location, location
Given the sheer size of the country, productions are spoilt for choice when it comes to scouting locations in Mexico. “Pinpointing the absolute best location to film in Mexico depends on what our clients are seeking and the project's specific requirements,” Marisol says.
This being said, Mexico City is a clear frontrunner in Marisol's mind: “Without a doubt CDMX is the number one production location – it's surrounded by enchanting places! The city’s greatest asset is its experience and size. With over 100 years of experience in the film industry, there’s an infrastructure both in equipment and personnel that allows you to resolve just about any issue that may pop up.”
Boasting a rich tapestry of locations, from bustling urban streets to stunning historical landmarks, CDMX is a true gem. Moreover, the government in Mexico City is aligned on production necessities and requirements, understanding how the industry works and actively assisting companies like ALTERED.LA in achieving their goals.
Speaking on the subject of the country's can-do attitude, Marisol reveals that she has rarely encountered a “no” over the course of her career in the Mexican film industry. “The can-do spirit here is truly exceptional!” she attests. “Just this year, we embarked on a fascinating collaboration with our friends at FELA for Starbucks and Doordash. The challenge was to set up a massive crane on the Monument of the Revolution, with a rigging system extending from the plaza to a window on a nearby building, granting access to its offices. While it presented a colossal logistical challenge involving street closures and intricate production coordination, we found a way for the camera to traverse the cable via the rigging, crafting an incredible scene.”
Despite the undeniable complexity of this shoot, the end result was nothing short of extraordinary, exemplifying the 'can-do' attitude that encapsulates the Mexican filmmaking experience, where innovation and resourcefulness lead to outstanding outcomes.
According to Marisol, a firm second choice for production locations is Guadalajara, the second-largest city in Mexico, and another place where the industry has flourished. “Our close ties to the Jalisco Film Commision, the competitive rates, and the pool of talent which differs from that in Mexico City, make for a fantastic experience,” explains Marisol.
“Guadalajara’s biggest advantage is the fact that it’s not Mexico City: some clients have filmed in Mexico City so many times they know it better than my mom does! Guadalajara is a breath of fresh air with untapped locations and on-camera talent which have yet to be made the most of.”
Whether clients want a bustling city, an enchanting magical town, or a wholly remote locale, it is well worth U.S. clients making the trip across the border. The country’s proximity to the United States results in reduced travel and shipping expenses, as well as easier access for American talent and crew, make it a practical choice for productions originating in the U.S. – particularly for clients who are concerned about their carbon footprint. On this point, Marisol reveals how ALTERED.LA’s is collaborating with 'Green the Bid,' an initiative dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible production practices, to minimise carbon emissions, manage waste, and adopt sustainable approaches in every aspect of the work.
In November, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers Awards Show Tour will visit Mexico City for the first time. This exciting development is a promising nod to the future of the Mexican film industry and Marcos Cline, founder and executive producer of ALTERED.LA, is excited about how the event will elevate the status of the Mexican production workforce to a level it deserves. “The AICP show coming to CDMX feels like recognition of the country as an integral part of the U.S. market, particularly as it pertains to local crew members. Hispanics as a whole are often treated as “other”, yet the amount of productions that take place in Mexico would lead one to think that it is an important part of the industry.”
Marcos is hopeful that the showcase will serve as motivation to producers and crew members alike to strive for the quality of work reflected on the screen. “I trust that it will instil a sense of pride and a greater commitment to continue to achieve the already fantastic results we are accustomed to accomplishing."
